Roku expands lineup, more content coming soon

Just in time for the holidays, Roku, makers of the popular tiny box that streams content from Netflix's on-demand content as well as Amazon Video on Demand is expanding its lineup with two new models. The new options include a lower priced, SD-only $80 option, while a new higher-end device will sell for $130.

The original $100 player, which is now dubbed the Roku HD, features 802.11b/g and Ethernet connectivity as well as HDMI and component outputs. At only $20 cheaper it's hard to see the appeal of the SD model, but the new Roku HD-XR will bring 802.11n Wi-Fi dual-band wireless compatibility to receive a stronger, better signal in addition to a USB port "for future use" -- presumably to play back video from external sources.

The company is also readying its Roku Channel Store, which will bring an expanded roster of programming options to the little set-top box, including some free content from Revision3 and others.